TEAM HERALD
PANJIM: Goans will officially be banned from entering casinos, and a Gaming Commissioner will be appointed, after the election code of conduct is withdrawn on May 16, when Goa government will resume the process to finalize specific Rules under The Goa Gambling (Amendment) Act.
An amendment to the Act, passed in the Goa Legislative Assembly in August 2012 will enable the Gaming Commissioner to regulate and oversee the functioning of the five off-shore casino vessels and several onshore casinos and ensure all conditions are complied with.
“The law exists but Rules are not framed as yet. The process for finalizing the Rules will begin after the election code is lifted,” Additional Secretary (Home) Sanjiv Gadkar told Herald.
In January this year, Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar had announced that entry to casinos will be limited only to non-locals above 21 years, from March 1.
However due to the enforcement of the election code, the process of finalizing the Rules for implementation was halted.
The Bill had made changes in the manner of operation of casinos in Goa which included limiting entry to casinos only to non-locals above 21 years having obtained tourist permits from the Gaming Commissioner, who will be empowered to impose fines and initiate prosecution in case of non-compliance of any rules made by the State government.
An amendment to the Act, passed in the Goa Legislative Assembly in August 2012 will enable the Gaming Commissioner to regulate and oversee the functioning of the five off-shore casino vessels and several onshore casinos and ensure all conditions are complied with
